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International Medical Case Reports... 2023We present a case of a 35-year-old Ethiopian female patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Studies suspected gallbladder disease, for which she...
We present a case of a 35-year-old Ethiopian female patient presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Studies suspected gallbladder disease, for which she operated. Intraoperatively, gallbladder perforation with choledochogastric fistula was identified, with (AL) worm in the common bile duct. Cholecystectomy was performed; common bile was repaired with T-tube and gastric repair. Patient was discharged 11 days after. On subsequent follow-up at the surgical referral clinic, the patient had no complaints.
PubMed: 37551359
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S421611 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the -value was less than 0.05.
RESULTS
A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0-39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers.
CONCLUSION
In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Adult; Food Handling; Prevalence; Middle Aged; Feces; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Young Adult; Adolescent; Restaurants; Animals
PubMed: 38919920
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362086 -
Medicine Jan 2024Anemia is one of the severe clinical outcomes associated with concomitant infection of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Since STH infections mostly share...
Anemia is one of the severe clinical outcomes associated with concomitant infection of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Since STH infections mostly share similar geographical areas with malaria, the influence of co-infections on the epidemiology and course of Anemia deserves greater consideration to assess the impact of interventions, the adequacy of strategies implemented, and the progress made in the fight against Anemia. So, this study was done to investigate Anemia among STH-negative malaria patients and malaria patients co-infected with single or multiple STHs, in 3 health facilities of Arba Minch, 2020 to 2021. An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 Governmental Health Institutions, Arba Minch, and southern Ethiopia from November 2020 to February 2021 on a total of 321 malaria-positive study participants. Thick and thin blood films were prepared for microscopic examination of malaria parasites and identification of species. A malaria parasite count was done to determine the intensity of the infection. A stool wet mount was done to identify STHs. Kato-Katz was done for microscopic quantitative examination of STHs. A complete blood cell count was done to determine hemoglobin level. Socio-demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent samples t test and one-way analysis of variance were done. Anemia magnitude in this study was 38.3% and it was higher in malaria with multiple STH co-infection groups (55.1%). Malaria parasite density was significantly higher in malaria with multiple STHs co-infected study participants F (2, 318) = 20.075. It increased with the increasing intensity of hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and several co-infecting helminth species. But it decreased with increasing intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides. The mean hemoglobin concentration of malaria with multiple STHs co-infection study participants was significantly lower than mono malaria-infected and malaria with single STHs co-infection study participants. The management of malaria should take account of STH infections and optimal modalities of treatment should be devised. Anti-helminthic treatments of malaria patients through regular, inexpensive, single-dose, and highly effective drugs must be seriously considered to protect the population from exacerbation of Anemia by intestinal helminth infections.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Soil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Coinfection; Helminths; Anemia; Health Facilities; Human Growth Hormone; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 38181246
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036835 -
Cureus Jan 2024Background Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminth infections often coexist, posing a significant health challenge. TB, caused by , and helminths elicit distinct...
Background Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminth infections often coexist, posing a significant health challenge. TB, caused by , and helminths elicit distinct immune responses - Th1 for TB and Th2 for helminths. Co-infection introduces a complex immunological challenge, potentially compromising TB control. This study addresses the research gap by comparing cytokine profiles and monocyte responses in TB patients, helminth-infected individuals, and those with both. Insights gained may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and disease control strategies where TB and helminths prevail. Methods A cross-sectional observational study conducted at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, aimed to compare cytokine profiles and monocyte responses in TB patients and those coinfected with TB and helminths. The study included 150 newly diagnosed active TB individuals aged 18 to 65 years. TB diagnosis was confirmed through clinical assessment, sputum microscopy, and GeneXpert (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) testing. Stool examination employed various methods, including the Kato-Katz technique and formalin-ether concentration. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, cytokine profiling, and monocyte isolation. Statistical analysis, using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), included descriptive statistics, and t-test analyses. Results In our study of 150 participants, half (50.0%) showed positive helminth status. The sociodemographic analysis revealed no significant differences in age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, smoking, alcohol, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension between TB patients (n=75) and TB+Helminth patients (n=75), ensuring baseline matching. The prevalence of specific helminth infections in TB+Helminth patients included (24.0%), (18.7%), and others. Hematological parameters showed significant differences, with TB+Helminth patients exhibiting higher RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil count, and monocyte count; also eosinophil count was more raised in TB+Helminth patients (0.36 x 10/μL) when compared to TB patients (0.25 x 10/μL). Cytokine profiles and monocyte responses varied significantly between the groups, with TB patients having higher IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels, while TB+Helminth patients had elevated IL-10. Monocyte response time did not differ significantly. Conclusion The observed differences in hematological parameters and cytokine profiles emphasize the need for tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment in co-infected individuals. These findings suggest that the management of TB patients should consider the potential influence of helminth co-infections.
PubMed: 38318585
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51726 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jan 2024Children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be more prone to helminthic infestation because they have depleted immunity, which increases their...
Pattern and Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthiasis among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
BACKGROUND
Children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be more prone to helminthic infestation because they have depleted immunity, which increases their susceptibility to infection and infestations, even with minimally pathogenic organisms such as helminths.
AIM
The prevalence and pattern of intestinal helminthiasis among children living with HIV attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study in which 70 HIV-infected children were consecutively recruited from the Pediatric HIV clinic and matched for age and sex with 70 children recruited from the children outpatient clinic (CHOP) of UNTH Ituku-Ozalla. Stool samples of study participants were collected and analyzed using the Kato-Katz method and subsequently examined under the microscope for helminths' eggs and larvae. The worm intensity was determined using the theoretical analytic sensitivity (TAS) of 24 eggs per gram (EPG) to obtain the number of eggs per gram of feces. The CD4+ count, which describes the severity of immunosuppression in HIV-positive children was determined using the PARTEC Cyflow counter for the CD4+ lymphocyte count, whereas HIV screening was performed using the rapid diagnostic tests for HIV (Determine, Statpack and Unigold). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS.
RESULTS
The prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among HIV-infected and non-infected children was 27.1% and 12.9%, respectively (P = 0.038). HIV-positive children were more likely to have intestinal helminthiasis than HIV-negative children (odds ratio [OR] =2.525, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.052-6.063). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant helminthic species in both HIV-infected and non-infected groups; however, there was no statistical significance between intestinal helminthic species and HIV status (P = 0.655) but the severity of intestinal helminthiasis was significantly associated with decreasing CD4+ count (P = 0.028). The risk factors for intestinal helminthic infestation examined were similar in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative children (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There was a significantly higher prevalence of helminthic infestation among HIV-infected children compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. The severity of intestinal helminthiasis was significantly associated with decreasing CD4+ count.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; HIV; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nigeria; Helminths; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Teaching; HIV Seropositivity; Feces; Helminthiasis; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 38317039
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_436_23 -
PeerJ 2024Diversity in clinical signs and symptoms are associated with soil transmitted diseases (STD), which are spread to humans by intestinal worms and transmitted in a variety...
BACKGROUND
Diversity in clinical signs and symptoms are associated with soil transmitted diseases (STD), which are spread to humans by intestinal worms and transmitted in a variety of ways. There is a need for the present study, which aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to compare between the common detection techniques for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among newly arrived expatriate labors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A total of 188 stool samples were analyzed by macroscopic examination, and microscopic examination using direct iodine smear and the formal ether sedimentation technique. Trichrome and modified Kinyoun's stains were used to confirm the morphology of any detected protozoa stages and oocyst of , respectively. A chromatographic immunoassay kit was used for , and . In addition, real-time PCR was employed only to identify various STHs.
RESULTS
Out of 188, several types of parasites were detected in 35 samples (18.62%), of which some with multiple infections. Nine samples (4.79%) were positive for , seven samples (3.72%) for , six samples (3.19%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , three samples (1.60%) for and two samples (1.06%) for . In comparison between laboratory techniques for STHs, real-time PCR was able to detect the DNA of 19 samples (10.1%) followed by Ritchie sedimentation technique (18, 9.6%), and direct smear (7, 3.7%) ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The high rate of newly arrived foreign workers infected with intestinal parasites could lead to a risk to society. Continuous and regular surveys are needed to deal with the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections including STHs. To improve the identification of these infections, we recommend a supporting infrastructure for the application of concentration methods and molecular assays.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Parasites; Soil; Cryptosporidiosis; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Cryptosporidium; Helminths
PubMed: 38288465
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16820 -
Microbiology Insights 2024Foodborne illnesses are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the twenty-first century, and food handlers are the main source of these illnesses.
Enteric Bacterial Infections, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern, Intestinal Parasites, and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers in Yabelo Town, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Foodborne illnesses are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the twenty-first century, and food handlers are the main source of these illnesses.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among food handlers working in a food and drinking establishment in Yabelo town, Borena zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022.
METHODS
A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the food handler's state of health. Data were gathered using semistructured questionnaires and observational checklists, and 396 regular stool samples were collected. Samples were examined with microscopy and bacteriological culture to isolate enteric bacteria. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26 The factors that had a -value of <.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULT
Of the 396 stool samples collected, 164 (41.4%) were tested positive for intestinal parasites, while 40 (10.1%) were positive for enteric bacteria (Salmonella and Shigella). Among intestinal parasites, the most predominant parasite was 48 (12.1%). All isolates of Salmonella and Shigella showed resistance to ampicillin. In multivariable analysis, not trimming fingernails regularly (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.97-5.37), not washing hands with soap after the toilet (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI 2.37-5.62), and eating raw food (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.79-6.51) have a significant association with the prevalence of bacteria and parasites.
CONCLUSION
The majority of food handlers had poor hygiene practices, and the prevalence of parasites and bacteria was high in the study setting. Educational status, eating raw vegetables or fruit, hand washing after the toilet, and fingernail trimming have associations with the health status of food handlers.
PubMed: 38533273
DOI: 10.1177/11786361231221717 -
Cureus May 2024In clinical practice, the typical approach to ingested foreign bodies in stable patients involves expectant management, as most materials pass through the...
In clinical practice, the typical approach to ingested foreign bodies in stable patients involves expectant management, as most materials pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without adverse effects. However, foreign bodies that travel through the appendix's lumen can cause acute appendicitis due to their inability to exit the colon. Rarer causes of appendicitis include parasitic infiltration by . The wandering behavior of within the GI tract can lead to various surgical complications in the abdomen. Occasionally, these parasites can migrate to the vermiform appendix, where they may either induce pathological changes or remain asymptomatic. We report an unusual case of an eight-year-old Pakistani female patient who presented to the emergency room with pain in the right iliac fossa, associated with anorexia and nausea, for one day. On examination, the patient was found to be vitally stable, with right iliac fossa tenderness noted on palpation. Additionally, the patient exhibited positive pointing, rebound, Rovsing, and psoas signs. Her medical history revealed that she had ingested a metallic needle seven months ago. Blood tests were undertaken, and an abdominal X-ray confirmed the existence of a radiopaque metallic object in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The patient underwent an open appendicectomy for acute appendicitis and was discovered to have a metallic needle lodged in the vermiform appendix. Concurrently, she also had ascariasis, as she vomited a 23-cm-long worm. It is important to consider both mechanical and parasitic etiologies in diagnosing acute appendicitis; detailed evaluation and management strategies are necessary to address these unique etiologies effectively.
PubMed: 38832168
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59632 -
Journal of Tropical Medicine 2024This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
INTRODUCTION
This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The multidimensional research included malaria patients admitted to different hospitals of district Kohat during January and December 2021. Stool samples and blood were assembled from the patients. Giemsa-stained microscopy-positive samples were processed by the immunochromatography technique (ICT) to identify species. Common viral infections such as viral hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, and dengue (DENV) were analyzed by ICT kits while SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through real-time PCR. Furthermore, the intestinal helminths were identified using the Kato-Katz thick smear method.
RESULTS
Among 1278 patients, 548 were diagnosed with malaria, 412 (75.2%) were positive for infection, 115 (21%) for , and 21 (3.8%) for mixed malaria infection (), with a higher incidence among males (65.2%) than females (34.8%). Coinfection with helminths was positive in 215 (39.3%) malaria patients. The most common infections were caused by the species (42.6%) followed by (31.7%) and hookworm. A total of 24.6% of malaria-positive cases were also coinfected with different viruses with higher frequencies of confection for HAV (8.2%) and DENV (6.2%), respectively. The patients revealed higher incidence of coinfections with (57%) as compared with (39.2%) and mixed infections (3.7%).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that the study population exhibited a significant incidence of coinfections with intestinal helminth and viral malaria.
PubMed: 38576602
DOI: 10.1155/2024/8529788 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Apr 2024Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries-the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to...
Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries-the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to . The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered.
PubMed: 38681482
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae264